Do Not Forget Automotive Key Repair: 10 Reasons Why You No Longer Need It
Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there - your car key refuses to turn on the ignition. It can occur at the worst moment, for instance, when you are loading your trunk with groceries or returning home from work.
There are many different solutions that will help you get back on your way. Here are a few common key issues in the automotive industry and their solutions:
Broken or bent key
The most common reason why a car owner cannot begin their vehicle is a bent key. This can be easily repaired by simply bending the key. It may sound simple but it's important to do it carefully. The key is extremely thin and may break if you bend it even slightly.
You'll need a solid work surface and a pair pliers to accomplish this. Pick up one end of the key using the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. It is best to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. Then, you can put it inside the lock to determine if it will turn.
If not, you could need to get a new one created. This will avoid needing to contact a locksmith and will ensure your key will work.
Keep a spare key in your pocket so you're not left without access to your vehicle if it is damaged.
If you're having difficulty inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying some grease to it. This will enable it to move easier through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. If you're using a spray ensure that you attach the plastic tubing that came with it for more precise application. This will also prevent moisture from damaging your key.
Spring pins and springs with pins
Sometimes, a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring can become stuck. Pins are a small piece of metal that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long, with hollow ends. It is used to connect two pieces of a machine. In most cases, you can remove pins by pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own a brand new car that uses keys with microchips in it, there is a chance the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your car. This process is different based on the manufacturer and car.
Contact us for assistance with your vehicle locks or keys! We are able to repair, replace or program almost any vehicle key.
Gear Selector
If your car's gear selector becomes stuck in park mode, it's important to get it checked by a mechanic right away. It's a security issue and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. car key repair shop could also indicate more serious issues in the transmission system itself, which can be costly to repair.
Luckily, most of the time this problem is easily fixable. Most often, the cable that is connected to the lever can snap or become disconnected. The mechanic can repair this in a few minutes.
In some instances, the bushings on the gear selector may be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are positioned around the articulation points of the gear system to make it more fluid. These covers work similarly to the cartilage in your joints, so they need to be flexible and healthy.
It is not uncommon for them to wear out over time, however there are a few ways to prolong their life. It is best to avoid the gear selection during extremely cold weather. This is because the cables that control the gear are prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace your bushings, like those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings form an essential part of your selection of gears and shouldn't be ignored. If you notice that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to visit an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the right parts to fix your gear selection apparatus. They can also provide you with a range of other services, like maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn the ignition key but hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years, and as they age, they undergo natural processes that cause them to end up dying early. This is because the negative plates in your car battery will start to be coated with crystals of sulfate.
A dead battery could cause you to lose the electrical power in your vehicle, causing the radio or the electric windows to malfunction. If you have been having difficulty starting your car during cold weather this could be a sign that you require an upgrade to your battery.
Sometimes your problem might not be due to a dead battery, but an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. This problem can be resolved by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables all work correctly.
Key fobs that are not functioning properly is a common issue with automotive keys. The key fob connects to your vehicle's computer and relays signals as well as commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system could be confused or cease communicating if it becomes wet or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
It is usually possible to reset the lost key fob following the directions in the owner's manual. Based on the model, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning off lights and other electronic devices on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't work for your fob, it may need to be professionally programmed and will require an expert. But it's still worth trying these simple steps before you decide to pay for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are equipped with a transponder, which when it is inserted into the ignition, transmits an indication. This signal informs the immobilizer on the car if the key is the correct one to allow it to start. In the 1990s, theft of cars became such an issue that many manufacturers fitted this transponder security system in their vehicles for security and insurance purposes.
If you own a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys could be through the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you leave. This can be found on the front of the dashboard, door jamb, or in the owner's manual.
Bring your working key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative will use a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key in order to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine in-store. If your key is blade style, a key fob, or has a hefty grey or black head, it will have to be programmed to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.